Blast Off! - Cork Rockets

Watching today's final launch of the space shuttle Atlantis sparked a million questions and re-enactments.  My husband answered the questions and did this shuttle inspired project with the boys.

You need 6 wine corks, toothpicks and a small screwdriver (for eye glasses) or even a nail will work.

Parents (or an older child with guidance), carefully press a hole into the top of a cork about 1/2 inch deep.

Break a toothpick in half, then insert the thicker half into the hole (halfway).

Next, press a hole into the top of another cork, then add them together by pressing the other end of the toothpick into the hole. Repeat these steps until three corks are attached to each other.

Now take the fourth cork and pres a hole into the side toward the top. Then add half a toothpick.

Press a hole on the side, toward the bottom of the three attached corks, and connect the forth cork to it.

 Repeat this step with the other two corks.

Now have your child paint the rocket (tempera paint) or even color the rocket with markers.

Now go to the moon! If you use paint and your child is a little impatient while it drys, you can visit www.nasa.gov and watch real shuttle footage and missions to space. The boys loved it!